UKGC Publishes Additional Info about 666Bet and MetroPlay Suspension
On April 28, 2015, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) released underlying information about the MetroPlay and 666Bet licence suspension. Apparently, the Commission wants to make clear the circumstances that led to the UKGC’s decision to suspend MetroPlay Limited’s temporary licence, as the latter contends it to be the reason for its inability to repay money owed to customers.
The UKGC publication aims to provide UK-based consumers and business operators who have deals with MetroPlay Ltd., with additional and official information about the online gambling operator’s status in the UK gambling market.
The Reason behind the Suspension
The Commission explained that the suspension of the continuance licence held by MetroPlay Ltd. came after police authorities arrested a key director of the MetroPlay firm , and after the Alderney Gambling Control Commission suspended MetroPlay Ltd’s business operation. Accordingly, the occurrences had forced the UKGC to suspend Metro Play Ltd’s UK continuance licence as well.
The publication states that the UKGC’s decision was made after weighing all aspects, such as potential risks of players losing money placed as deposit with the MetroPlay and 666Bet online betting sites. The assessment also took into consideration the risk posed to the Commission’s licensing objectives, which include ensuring an online gambling site that is fair, transparent, crime-free, and providing protection to young and susceptible consumers. Other risk aspects considered include a licensee operator’s finances, proficiency, and integrity.
The UKGC contends that in weighing the potential hazards, they also considered the possibility that customers will not be able to get back their money should the Commission allow the sites in question to continue taking money from consumers. They were also well aware that a decision to suspend the operation of the online gambling sites would heighten the risks of the operator becoming incapable of returning and paying the funds due to its customers.
The Authority of MetroPlay Limited to Settle Customer Accounts
The publication reiterates the Commission’s previous statement that the suspension of MetroPlay Ltd’s continuance licence does not prevent the online gambling firm from returning customers’ money if so requested, and of settling outstanding winning bets due to customers. Although the licence suspension is only a precautionary measure, the British gambling commission asserts that it remains in force for as long as it is deemed necessary in safeguarding the UKGC’s licencing objectives.
The Commission provides information that they have been liaising with the website service provider to give MetroPlay Limited access to customer details, and to restore online customer access as well. The UKGC also conveyed their understanding that MetroPlay Ltd. is currently in talks with a provider of online payment processing services.
In related news, MetroPlay Ltd. has reportedly instructed customers to open an account with online payment processor Skrill, as the latter has agreed to handle the processing of customers’ claims for money.
The April 28 publication also explained that in light of the continuance licence suspension, it follows that players cannot engage in betting or gaming activities in the MetroPlay and 666Bet websites. This is regardless of whether other businesses continue to display their adverts for MetroPlay and 666Bet products. As of the moment, the UKGC does not intend to take action against such advertisements as all activities taking place are still governed by the conditions prescribed for operating licences.
